We head to Kembla for the Gong & Warra. Big fields and open races are the theme of the day.

Plenty of value to be had on the day with both features looking very open and they are where the attention will be directed, starting with The Warra over 1000m.

I'm surprised Malkovich was put up at such a big price, which has come in a couple of points now but still looks good shopping at double figures.

He was $6 all-in and is now over double that for a horse that when he's on, is a very good 1000m front runner. He won first up last time in at Hawkesbury running to 114 with Timeform which I think sees him right in the finish here and I don't think there's any reason to suggest why he won't run to his best.

Beaten in his first ever trial, he looked as sharp as ever winning his second and the chute start at Kembla should offset any potential issues with the wide draw. He's quick enough to cross them all with Parr on and I think a few of these will be out of their comfort zone and perhaps better suited at 1100-1200m.

In The Gong, you could make a case for just about any of them and it seems like the race Waller will bob up with one at big odds, which I'm hoping he does in the form of Skyman.

I'm convinced he's going quite well this preparation and whilst he's the least fancied of the Waller quintet, I think the price about him is more than fair.

Running through his form this preparation, he split Pericles and Hope In Your Heart first up in the Tramway, then pulled up lame at Newcastle, had a COT to be ridden back and had no hope, ran third (and to 115 with Timeform) in the Craven Plate and then tried hard with 60kg on heavy ground at Hawkesbury last time.

The potential query again might be heavy ground but a bit of give is fine and I love the draw for him as he probably lands in the first six, one off the fence. At 30-1, he can run very well.

SYDNEY SPECIALS

Bet of the day: Race 8 #3 Malkovich at $13

Each-way play: Race 7 #5 Skyman at $31/8